EXCERPT

​To further remind Cain of what my position was in this clan, I stepped in front of him as he was about to give his final departing words before leaving the safety of Renshaw. Mirroring our great Baron I folded my hands behind my back raised my head proudly and addressed my people.

“This day we leave on a journey that will change the lives of five members of the Bram Clan for years to come. The gods have chosen us to be the mighty ravens of Bram. However, for the gods to choose any of us to meld with a mortal warrior and become a Raven Warrior is the highest of honors. When we step out of Renshaw Forest and we take our raven form we will fly with pride…”

I raised my arms to the vast sky above, taking in all the air I could hold so all of Renshaw Forest could hear my words. With pride, dignity, and respect for my fellow clansmen I shouted, “For we represent the fearless Bram Clan. We represent Renshaw Forest. We represent the Great Baron of Bram! We, my fellow Ravens, represent the Mighty god Odin!”

My clan erupted in cheers and sounds of the raven rang out in the forest, Father walked up to me. I had never seen such pride and glory in his eyes.“You, my youngest daughter, are going to be a great leader someday. I could not have given a better speech.”

Embracing me he kissed my forehead and whispered in my ear, “Philena, as Baron I am demanding you be mindful of your duties and preform them without flaw…”

He let out a low, somber breath.

“As your Father, I need to warn you that sometimes our duties can change at any given moment. So listen to my words carefully…at times the right thing to do does not always come from the mind in our heads, for our hearts have a mind of their own. If you start to feel chaos just remember to trust the path Odin has set out before you.”

With the many questions he had brought to the forefront of my mind, I wanted to respond. But he said his farewells and ordered us to make our way to the glen.

I marched ahead of the females and the Raven Warriors, just like any leader would do, with my father’s last words tumbling around in my mind as if they were like pieces of broken rocks. Trying to grasp onto what he said, Cain stepped up beside me and nipped at my shoulder in a flirtatious manner.

“I’m not sure how I feel about this sudden change in you, Philena. I think we need to talk.”